Earlier this month, Senator Wiener announced a new bill, SB 966, intended to expand water recycling throughout the state by developing regulations to encourage on-site water recycling that occurs in individual buildings. The bill is designed to alleviate permitting challenges that has been a struggle due to the lack of state permitting standards.[1]
The proposed bill will require the state water board to issue more comprehensive permitting regulations. According to Senator Wiener’s website, local jurisdictions can develop their own permitting process, but the lack of a state permitting standard creates inconsistencies.[2]
The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) has remained one of the key sponsors throughout the bill’s evolution. “San Francisco is proud to be working with Senator Wiener on this trailblazing legislation that will reduce regulatory uncertainty for onsite non-potable water systems,” said Harlan Kelly, Jr., the General Manager of the SFPUC.[3]
Another sponsor to come forward is the US Green Building Council. In a press release by Senator Wiener’s office, Brenden McEneaney, Pacific Regional Director of the USGBC stated that “A clear set of standards for putting non-potable water to work for California is imperative for our resilience to future water shortages. USGBC strongly supports Senator Wiener’s proposal to help communities safely optimize local water resources.”[4]
To learn more about SB 966 and all legislative actions, click here
[1] SF Gate. Senator Proposes Bill to Promote Expansion of On-Site Water Reuse. SF Gate, Febrauary 2, 2018. Web. https://www.sfgate.com/news/bayarea/article/Senator-Proposes-Bill-To-Promote-Expansion-Of-12548378.php
[2] Wiener, Scott. Senator Wiener Announces Bill to Expand On-Site Water Recycling in All California Cities. Scott Wiener Newsroom, February 1, 2018. Web. http://sd11.senate.ca.gov/news/20180201-senator-wiener-announces-bill-expand-site-water-recycling-all-california-cities
[3] Wiener. Senator Wiener Announces Bill to Expand On-Site Water Recycling in All California Cities. http://sd11.senate.ca.gov/news/20180201-senator-wiener-announces-bill-expand-site-water-recycling-all-california-cities
[4] Wiener. Senator Wiener Announces Bill to Expand On-Site Water Recycling in All California Cities. http://sd11.senate.ca.gov/news/20180201-senator-wiener-announces-bill-expand-site-water-recycling-all-california-cities
Picture Reference: Flickr, Håkan Dahlström